A Federal High Court in Lagos has postponed its ruling on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) request to destroy a massive clandestine methamphetamine laboratory valued at about ₦480 billion, discovered deep inside a forest in Mowe, Ogun State.

The court, presided over by Justice Musa Kakaki, adjourned the matter until Friday, July 24, after conducting an inspection of the illegal drug manufacturing facility and hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence.

The laboratory, uncovered during a coordinated NDLEA operation between May 16 and May 18, is believed to have been one of the largest methamphetamine production facilities ever discovered in Nigeria. Authorities estimate that the facility was capable of producing 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an international street value of approximately $362 million (about ₦480 billion).

International Drug Syndicate Under Investigation

The case has drawn national attention following the arrest of 10 suspects, comprising three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians, accused of operating the sophisticated drug laboratory hidden inside the Ogun forest.

Among those standing trial is alleged drug kingpin Anochili Innocent Nwankwo, alongside Mexican nationals believed to have provided technical expertise for the illicit operation.

The defendants are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine, operating a clandestine drug laboratory, and trafficking precursor chemicals used in the production of hard drugs.

All the accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges and remain in custody pending the conclusion of the trial.

Court Visits Crime Scene

In an unusual move, Justice Kakaki led a court inspection of the alleged drug factory before returning to hear testimony from the NDLEA’s first witness, a forensic expert on clandestine laboratories.

The witness explained how the equipment and chemicals recovered from the site were allegedly used to manufacture methamphetamine, while prosecutors tendered several exhibits before the court.

However, defence counsel challenged the admissibility of some of the evidence, prompting the judge to reserve his ruling on the NDLEA’s application to destroy the facility until Friday.

NDLEA Describes Operation as Historic

The NDLEA has described the operation as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against transnational organised crime.

According to the agency, the discovery highlights a growing trend in which international drug syndicates are relocating methamphetamine production to remote parts of Nigeria to evade law enforcement.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), said the involvement of foreign nationals demonstrates the increasing collaboration between international drug cartels and local criminal networks.

The anti-narcotics agency said dismantling the laboratory would significantly disrupt the activities of organised drug trafficking groups operating within and outside Nigeria.

Court to Decide Fate of the Meth Lab

The Federal High Court is expected to deliver its ruling on Friday on whether the NDLEA should be granted permission to destroy the sprawling methamphetamine laboratory while the criminal proceedings continue.

The outcome of the ruling is expected to shape the next phase of what investigators have described as one of Nigeria’s most significant anti-drug operations in recent years.

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